There are well over 200 million motorcyclists worldwide for a reason; motorcycles are fun and extremely convenient on traffic-heavy roads. Unfortunately, accidents involving motorcycles are also widespread, though contemporary bikes with enhanced handling, high-grip tires, and powerful brakes are a lot less accident-prone than their predecessors. Regardless of the kind of bike you ride, the causes of motorcycle accidents are almost always the same. We are going to list below five common ones and how to avoid them.
1. Rear-end collisions
The high prevalence of rear-end collisions with motorcycles on the receiving end is proof that bike riders are not always to blame for crashes. There is not much you can do to prevent rear-end collisions, but a trick that has always worked is to avoid sudden braking and ensure you maintain a steady pace. You can also use lane-splitting, especially at intersections, so larger vehicles can act as cushions.
If you are injured in a rear-end collision or any other that is no fault of your own, make sure to check with this Staten Island Personal Injury Lawyers for assistance with damage recovery.
2. Potholes and gravel
Hitting a pothole or gravel can happen when a rider takes a blind corner. It is a pretty common accident type that you can avoid by riding at speeds that allow you time to react when you spot a pothole. Additionally, remember to always go slow in and come fast out. When maneuvering a corner, approach it slowly to get a clear vision of the road ahead.
3. Intoxication-induced accidents
As a motorcycle rider, you are the bike’s balance, and a fall is almost guaranteed if you make impaired judgments on the road. We would tell you to ride more carefully if intoxicated, but that’s a criminal offense in itself. The simple solution is to not get on a motorbike while drunk.
4. Left turning cars
Left-turning vehicles are responsible for about half of all collisions involving cars and motorcycles. Drivers often find it difficult to estimate a motorbike’s speed at an intersection and end up making dangerous turns. Sometimes, the car driver isn’t aware of the bike to their left when turning.
You can avoid this type of accident by always slowing down at intersections, whether or not the driver in front of you indicates that they are turning. Avoid staying in truck blind spots for too long as well.
5. Lane switching
Motorcycles fit easily into vehicle blind spots, and even the most careful driver can switch lanes without knowing there is a motorcycle in the space they are trying to occupy. Large trucks are particularly dangerous as they have huge blind spots that can engulf entire vehicles. Always avoid taking longer than is necessary on the side of a truck. If you have to, ensure you see the mirrors, because that’s only when the driver can see you too.
Endnote
There is no way to prevent motorcycle accidents completely. However, with a little care, you can reduce your risk of being a victim. Use the above tips to increase your understanding of common causes of accidents, and steer clear of injuries.
